Contemplations from quakey quirky Christchurch

Posts Tagged ‘Women’s Centre’

The Women’s Centre has attractive new premises at 242 Ferry Road in Waltham.

This organisation is dear to my heart. We bought our Cottage from one of the founders, and were intrigued to learn that this home had previously been used as a women’s refuge and been the venue for meetings held to establish the Women against Violence Centre which later became the Women’s Centre. In 1993 when I was studying Community Skills at Polytech I joined the Centre as a volunteer Support Worker. Later I became their paid Finance worker and Fundraiser and was a collective member. At this time they were in the old Atlantis Building in Cathedral Square. The Centre later moved to Greenwich/witch House and another premises in Manchester Street. Many of the workers were close friends, and I have continued an association with the organisation.

Forced to leave Manchester Street after the earthquakes, they had two other homes before moving at the end of last year to these new premises, and yesterday was their official opening, as well as a belated 30th birthday celebration. It was a pleasure to be there among so many friends. Some were wearing pink pussyhats, as seen at the Women’s March on Washington on January 21st.

What a great evening’s entertainment it was at the Christchurch Folk Music Club’s celebration of NZ Women First in the World. Such a treat to hear women’s music, and all in aid of the Women’s Centre. First Judi Smitheram sang, then Sue Galvin and Jane Edmed.

Judi Smitheram accompanied by Mary & Melanie

Sue Galvin & Jane Edmed

Sue and Jane encouraged the audience to join in with ‘Bread and Roses’, having first tossed Roses (chocolates) at the audience. I enjoyed the performance poetry by Trish Waters – must look out for her again.

All Girl Big Band

A highlight was the wonderful All Girl Big Band with some jazzy numbers. As a finale all the artists joined in singing Helen Reddy’s ‘I am Woman’, a fitting ending to a wonderful evening.

A small group of us spent several hours yesterday at a workshop at the Women’s Centre called ‘Pull it apart and make art’. We brought broken bits of jewellery, china, and other odd things and each created a unique piece of work.

Some finished pieces

At bottom left is the necklace I made from loved china that was broken in the earthquake. Tutor Jacky Morren helped and encouraged us and we went home feeling satisfied with what we’d done.